Research

Scope and Content Note

These are accounts of fines levied against members of the State Militia. Chapter 222 of the Laws of 1818 reestablished the New York State Militia and provided (Section 25) for the accounting of fines levied by Courts of Inquiry (Courts Martial) by the state comptroller, and for collection of delinquent accounts by the sheriffs.

Each account contains all or some of the following data: date when court was held; names of president, members, judge advocate, and marshal of court; expenses of each member of the court; date when paid; "remarks" about the case or accounts; total amount of fines imposed; amount paid to president of the court; amount paid to sheriff; date paid; sheriff's name and county; amount paid to state treasurer by the sheriff; and date paid. In a few cases the name of defendant and the nature of the charges are mentioned.